DIY Boho Crossbody Bag from Old Clothes from Scratch

 

I love sewing bags that tell a story—and this one? It used to be a pair of old trousers, a floral skirt, and a soft cotton shirt. Now it’s a boho crossbody bag with patchwork vibes, long fringes, and a roomy inside pocket. I lined it, added a zipper pocket, and made it all from recycled fabrics I already had at home.

If you love boho bag sewing patterns, working with what you have, and adding a handmade touch to your wardrobe, follow along and make your own!

 

 

 ✂️ Materials

 

Material	Why You Need It
Old trousers, shirt, skirt	Main fabrics for the patchwork and bag body
Lining fabric	Gives the bag a neat and finished look
Zipper (standard size)	For the interior pocket
Optional: Yarn	For decorating seams or adding texture with zigzag

 

 

 🧵 Tools

 

Tool	Why You Need It
Sewing machine	Essential for all stitching
Sharp scissors	For cutting fabric cleanly
Pins or clips	For securing pieces before sewing
Steam iron	To press fabrics and seams (don’t skip this!)
Ruler or tape measure	For marking out patchwork pieces and handles
Safety pin	To turn handles right side out

 

 

 ♻️ Why I Love This Project

 

This fringe bag is 100% refashioned. I reused clothing that was sitting at the back of my closet and gave it a new life. Each fabric had a lovely texture or color that worked perfectly for a patchwork bag. Sustainable, fun, and super boho!

 

 

 

 

 

Step by Step How to Sew Boho Crossbody Bag

 Prepare and Press

 

Before you even touch your sewing machine, iron everything. Pressing fabrics before cutting makes your pieces more accurate and your final result so much neater. I always use a steam iron and keep my ironing board clean and padded. Trust me—this step makes a difference!

 

Prepare the Lining

 

A neat lining makes your bag look professional. I cut two pieces of lining fabric according to my bag pattern—one for the front and one for the back.

 

 

 Make the Zipper Pocket

Pockets are easiest to add before assembling the bag:

 

•     Cut two small rectangles of fabric.
•     Sew them to each end of the zipper.
•     Use the zipper length to decide the pocket width.
•     Add 2 cm (0.8 in) seam allowance all around.
•     Cut a large rectangle, sew right sides together (leaving a small gap).
•     Turn it right side out, press, and stitch the gap closed.

 

Now attach the pocket zipper to the lining. 

 

 

 

Then pin and sew the pocket to one piece of the lining—just the sides and bottom. That’s it! Inner zipper pocket: done ✅

 

 

 

Sew the Lining Together

 

Pin the two lining pieces right sides together. Sew all around but leave a small gap. This will help when turning the bag later. Set it aside.

 

 

 

Cut Your Main Fabric Pieces

I used my old trousers, skirt, and shirt here. Choose fabrics with texture and boho colors—think earthy tones, florals, and natural textures. Cut all your patchwork pieces according to the shape you want for your bag.

 

 

 Sew the Patchwork Bag Front & Back

 

Now follow your patchwork layout. Sew each piece together, pressing the seams as you go. You’ll end up with a front and back for your patchwork boho bag

 

 

 All done!

 

Decorate the Seams (Optional)

 

Here comes the fun part: decoration!

I used colorful yarn to hide my patchwork seams using a zigzag stitch. Two methods:

•     Bobbin method: Wind yarn onto the bobbin, sew zigzag on the wrong side.
•     Topstitch method: Pin yarn to the right side and zigzag over it.

Use a zigzag presser foot and always test your stitch first!

Ready !

 

 

Make Fringes

Working from the wrong side of the fabric:

 

•     Use a ruler to mark fringe lines, evenly spaced.
•     Cut up each line, leaving 2 cm (0.8 in) at the top.
•     Secure the fringes with a zigzag stitch, twisting each one as you go.

 

    Don’t forget to backstitch at the start and end!

Sew Fringes to the Bag

 

Pin your fringe strip to the bottom edge of the front bag piece. Sew it on firmly. I also made a small tassel fringe and attached it to the flap for extra boho charm. 🌾

Front and back of a boho crossbody bag

 

Sew Front and Back Together

 

Now place the front and back of the bag right sides together. Pin, sew all around, and press. The outer shell of your bag is ready!

Make the Crossbody Handle

•     Use a ruler to draw long fabric strips.
•     Cut them with seam allowance included.
•     Sew them lengthwise (right sides together), forming a tube.
•     Use a safety pin to turn the tube right side out.
•     Press the handle flat.
•  

Attach the Handle

 

Pin each end of the strap to the inside top edges of the bag. Make sure they’re even and symmetrical. Sew them securely to the main fabric.

Attach the Lining to the Bag

    

• With your main bag right side out and lining wrong side out, insert the bag into the lining (right sides together).

 

   

•  Pin along the top edge and sew, leaving a small gap.

 

   

•  Turn the bag right side out through the gap.
•     Sew the gap closed.
•     Finally, topstitch around the edge for a clean finish.

Finished!

 

And there you have it—your very own boho crossbody bag, made from recycled clothes and full of handmade charm. Mine has a practical inside zipper pocket, patchwork front and back, soft boho fringes, and a comfy strap. Here’s how it looks from the inside… and here it is on me!

 

 

🧵 Want something even easier? Try my quick and beginner-friendly DIY tote bag tutorial – perfect for everyday use!
👉 Sew a tote bag here »

Sustainability Note: Why This Boho Bag is Planet-Friendly

 

This DIY boho crossbody bag is more than just a stylish accessory—it's a statement piece for slow fashion lovers. By upcycling old clothes like shirts, jeans, or skirts into something functional and beautiful, you're reducing textile waste and giving forgotten fabrics a second life. It’s a fun, creative way to support eco-sewing and contribute to a more sustainable future—one stitch at a time. 

FAQ: Boho Bag Sewing Questions

1. What fabric is best for a boho crossbody bag?
Medium-weight fabrics like denim, canvas, cotton, or linen are ideal for structure. You can use old pants, shirts, or even patch together small scraps for a fun, textured look.

2. Can beginners sew this bag?
Yes! This project is beginner-friendly, especially if you’ve sewn a few simple pieces before. If you can sew straight stitches and are comfortable with basic tools, you’re good to go!

3. How long does it take to sew this fringe bag?
It usually takes about 3–4 hours, including cutting, decorating, and finishing details. It’s a relaxed weekend project you can finish in one afternoon.

4. Can I wash the bag after sewing?
Absolutely. If you used washable fabrics like cotton or denim, it can go in the washing machine. To be safe, turn it inside out and use a gentle cycle.

5. How do I make sure the strap is strong enough?
Use thick fabric or reinforce the strap with interfacing. Also double-stitch where the strap connects to the bag to make it extra durable.

 

✨ Want to Sew a Chic Leather Bag Next?

If you loved making this boho fringe bag and want to try something a little more structured, check out my DIY Leather Bag Tutorial on my other blog! It’s a step-by-step guide that shows you how to sew a beautiful leather or faux leather handbag—even if you’re a beginner. Complete with real-life photos, tips, and a simple design you can customize.

👉 Click here to see the leather bag tutorial »

Pair your boho crossbody with a handmade leather tote and create a full DIY bag wardrobe you’ll love to wear!

Ready to Go with you New Boho Crossbody Bag

This fringe bag is not only beautiful but meaningful—made from fabrics that already had a story. If you love boho bag sewing patterns and enjoy sustainable fashion, this is a satisfying weekend project. Every stitch feels like you're giving new life to old materials. Plus, the bag is super practical!

Thanks for sewing with me. Let me know if you try making your own version—I’d love to see your boho patchwork bag too! 💛